Columbus, Ohio – In a move aimed at helping Ohioans access jobs more easily, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn have announced a $13.5 million investment in 28 public transit projects across the state. This funding is part of the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership program (OWMP) and will directly support workforce transportation in both urban and rural communities.
Connecting Workers to Opportunity
“Transportation should never stand in the way of a good job,” said Governor DeWine. “This investment will help more Ohioans get to work and support employers who need reliable, skilled workers.”
The OWMP initiative is focused on building a better connection between people and jobs by expanding transit options that help workers reach job centers, especially in areas where traditional public transportation may be limited or unavailable. The program was reestablished under House Bill 54, which directs federal funds from the state’s transportation budget toward projects that close transit gaps, link urban and rural transit systems, and enhance mobility in economically critical areas.
The funding will be available during the 2026 and 2027 State Fiscal Years, with $13.5 million earmarked annually to support continued improvements in workforce access.
Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel emphasized the connection between transportation and economic development. “We keep seeing great companies moving into Ohio or growing in Ohio. The number of job opportunities coming our way is exciting. Now we need to do our part, as a State, to empower our people to take advantage of these opportunities and become a part of our workforce team. By removing barriers to transportation for workers, that’s exactly what this program will do.”
Transit Funding to Benefit 15 Agencies Across 16 Counties
Through this investment, 15 transit agencies serving 16 counties will receive funding to implement or expand workforce-related transit solutions. These agencies will be able to launch or improve services that directly help Ohio residents get to job sites, training centers, and economic hubs that are vital to the state’s continued growth.
“The Workforce Mobility Program is a great tool that helps ODOT deliver on its mission to ensure every Ohioan has access to transportation opportunities, regardless of whether they own a vehicle,” said ODOT Director Boratyn.
The funding will support diverse projects across the state, such as expanded bus routes, demand-response transportation services, and first-mile-last-mile solutions — all tailored to improve access to employment, especially in underserved and rural areas.
This strategic investment reflects Ohio’s broader commitment to workforce development, infrastructure modernization, and community-level empowerment. With the new funding, transit agencies will be better equipped to meet the needs of job seekers and employers alike, helping to ensure that lack of transportation is no longer a barrier to economic success for thousands of Ohioans.
